Regions

Coastal Albania the long narrow strip of between about 10 and 30km wide along the whole of the Albanian coast, bordering both the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea

Northeastern Albania the inland region to the north of the Shkumbin River, bordering Montenegro, Kosovo and Macedonia.

Southeastern Albania the inland region to the south of the Shkumbin River bordering Macedonia and Greece, and including the great border lakes, Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa.

Cities

Tirana (Tiranë) — the capital. Trees and mountains surround the city. Mount Dajt is a popular tourist site with a great view of the city.

Berat — Thought to be one of the oldest towns in Albania, it is a new member of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Berat has long been known as the “city of 1001 windows” because of its unique Ottoman/Albanian architecture. It has a well-preserved castle with residents still living inside its protective walls.

Gjirokastër — Another UNESCO city located in the south and known for its unique Ottoman period architecture. There is a large castle on the hill in the middle of the city which served as a jail for many generations. A military museum and art gallery are now located inside. Gjirokastër is also the birthplace of former communist leader Enver Hoxha and Albania’s most internationally famous author, Ismail Kadare. Their homes now serve as museums.

Korce (Korça) — Located in southeast Albania, several miles from the Greek border, this city is full of life during the summer, when you can find couples and families strolling through the city’s main park, Parku Rinia. You can hike to the top of the beautiful mountain Moravia and view the city and its surrounding landscape. Don’t miss the Korca Brewery, famous throughout Albania, which sponsors a week-long beer festival every August. Also see the old houses and the Bazaar dating in the late 15th century and burned 3 times. most of the buildings are rebuilt in the 19th and 20th century.

Kruje (Krujë) — Ancient city of the national hero Skanderbeg, Kruje consists of beautiful mountains. Skanderbeg’s castle is now a museum. Kruje also contains an old style bazaar with shops selling traditional goods amid cobblestone streets.

Pogradec — Although overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors on the Macedonian side of the lake, the town of Pogradec has been experiencing a revival recently.

Sarandë — A city in southern Albania known for its unforgettable beaches and colorful spring blooms

Shkodra — The biggest town in northern Albania. The “Migjeni” theater is located here. The first cycling race and the first football match in Albania were held here, and the first photograph was developed here (by Marubi). The Rozafa Castle is a major tourist attraction here, as is The Great Cathedral, the Ebu Beker Mosque, etc.

Vlorë — A lively seaside city with nice beaches in the southern part of the town. Passenger ferries to and from Italy dock here.

Erseke (Erseke) — A city hidden within the Gramozi Mountain range, Erseke is located in the southeast region of Albania. It surrounding natural beauty is what separates it from the other city, while also having old Albanian villages surrounding it.

Librazhd (Librazhd)- A small town, but with a beautiful countryside. ‘The Red Mountains’ is an attraction for every tourist. It is a UNESCO heritage in tentative. there are located beautiful villages such as Stebleva with 200-year old houses.A very funny way to go to Librazhd is by train from Elbasan.

Other Destinations

Albanian Alps — This mountainous complex in the north of the country forms the border between Albania and Montenegro. Rich in rainfall, sheep, bare rocks and scenic views, it is one of the places in Albania you should see.

Albanian Riviera — Featuring crystal-clear waters, unspoiled beaches and picturesque villages, this is the Mediterranean coastline as it once was.

Dhërmi — One of the finest of the many beaches along the coastal road between Vlore and Saranda, and perfect for camping

Butrint — The largest archaeological site from Hellenic-era Albania, it lies on the coast in the southernmost tip of the country near the Greek border. Minibuses are available from Saranda.

Bylis — The second largest archaeological site from Roman-era Albania

Durres — Albania’s main port of entry is also one of its most ancient cities. The town’s ancient amphitheatre is the biggest in the Balkans.

Llogara National Park— The park covers an area of 1,010 hectares (2,500 acres) and protects the forests on the north side of the Llogara Pass between a height from 470 to 2,018 m (1,542 to 6,621 ft) above sea level and only a 16 km ride from the nearest beach.

Lura National Park — A 1,280 hectare national park with high mountains, big meadows and glacial lakes.

Tomorr — A mountain ridge in southern Albania, not far from Berat. This part of the country is formed by parallel mountain ridges (up to around 2000-2500m) separated by valleys. Although the ridges are not very long, they offer a few days of hiking with enormous scenic beauty and fantastic panoramic views. Tomorri is one of the most known ridges with a Bektash monastery and chapel on the very top. A beautiful waterfall called Sotira Waterfall was recently discovered near Tomorri and is definitely worth a visit.

Moscopole – Moscopole or Voskopoje, is a village near Korca. It has 7 churches dating in the early 18th century. The most famous are St. Nicholas (1721) and St. Vasili (1719).

Valbona river in Tropoja

One of the canyons in Skrapar

Ksamil — An absolute gem on the edge of the Butrint national park, this is a coastal town encompassing three spectacular islands.

Shëngjin — A growing beach town in northwest Albania known for its curative beach sand and Adriatic Sea views